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This teacher needs your help!

Ms. Vurro from Sanford, FL is requesting classroom basics through DonorsChoose, the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

See what Ms. Vurro is requesting

Starting Strong: A Bright Beginning for My Third-Grade Leaders

Help me give my students engaging read-alouds, mini reference frames, bright paper, learning tools, and fun prize box items to create a joyful, organized classroom full of motivation and meaning.

  • $845 goal

This project expired on September 13, 2025.

This project expired on September 13, 2025.

My Project

In our Title I classroom, my third graders bring big dreams, bright energy, and incredible potential—but many also carry challenges that no child should have to face. I work to create a warm, vibrant space where they feel safe, celebrated, and excited to learn each day.

This project will help transform our classroom into a place where learning feels joyful, structured, and full of purpose.

We’ll use Astrobrights paper and laminating sheets to create colorful learning tools—like math fact flashcards, grammar charts, and vocabulary displays—that can be reused all year long. Scented markers and mini photo frames will be used to create personalized strategy cards that give students ownership of their learning, making difficult tasks feel more manageable and fun.

Books like Jabari Jumps and What If Everybody Did That? will anchor meaningful read-aloud discussions about courage, choices, and empathy. Afterward, students will engage in writing and art projects that reflect their voices and life experiences—turning our classroom into a gallery of student thinking.

A robot pencil sharpener and countdown timer will support smoother routines and transitions. Magnetic displays will showcase student work and important reminders. Prize box items like squishies, UNO cards, and stampers will support our weekly “Leadership Loot” shop, reinforcing leadership, effort, and teamwork.

My students are creative, resilient, and eager to grow. They thrive when they feel seen and supported. Every item in this project helps build a classroom where students are not just learning, but blossoming.

Your donation tells them: “You matter, and your future is worth investing in.”

Thank you for helping us begin this school year with love, structure, and endless possibility.

This project will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

More than three‑quarters of students from low‑income households

20 students impacted
Ms. Vurro Idyllwilde Elementary School Grades 3-5

This project will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Sanford, FL View local requests

More than three‑quarters of students from low‑income households Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more

20 students impacted

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TEACHERS, FEELING INSPIRED?

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Where Your Donation Goes

Materials Cost Quantity Total
Vocabulary Journal: for students to practice vocabulary words • Amazon Business $5.39 18 $97.02
Countinc 67XL Ink Cartridge Black/Color Combo Pack Compatible for HP Ink 67 67XL for 67 Ink Cartridge Fit for DeskJet 2855e 2700 2700e 2755 2755e 2752 4152 2755 Envy 6000 6055 6055e 6400 6455 Printer • Amazon Business $43.59 2 $87.18
Wireless Presentation Clicker PowerPoint Remote: USB C A Presenter PPT Power Point Google Slide Advancer with Green Laser Pointer Smart Board Clicker for Computer Laptop Mac Projector Office Classroom • Amazon Business $39.99 1 $39.99
AFMAT Electric Pencil Sharpener for Colored Pencils, Fully Automatic Robot Pencil Sharpener, Auto in & Out, Rechargeable Hands-Free Pencil Sharpener for 7-11.5mm Jumbo Pencils, Home, Classroom • Amazon Business $31.99 1 $31.99
Squishy Stress Balls Fidget Toys - 72 Pack Squishy Toys Stress Ball for Anxiety Fidget Toys Bulk, Squeeze Balls for Adult with ADHD, Autism - Fidgets for Classroom, Easter Gifts, Easter Basket Ideas • Amazon Business $29.99 1 $29.99
Astrobrights Bright 65 lb. Cardstock Paper, 8.5" x 11", Assorted Colors, 250 Sheets/Pack (99904) • Quill.com $28.33 1 $28.33
Syantek Remote Control Outlet Wireless Light Switch for Household Appliances, Expandable Remote Light Switch Kit, Up to 100 ft Range, FCC Certified, ETL Listed, White (5 Outlets + 2 Remotes) • Amazon Business $25.64 1 $25.64
ALBEN Double Sided Standing Picture Frames - (White, 10 count) 4x6 Inch Pedestal Photo Frame with Inserts and Base - 2 Sided Frame for Vertical Display • Amazon Business $24.99 1 $24.99
BOOM JOG Magnetic Curtain Rods for Metal Doors,Multi-Use Adjustable Appliance for Windows Iron Steel Places,9-16 Inch,White,4 Pack • Amazon Business $23.99 1 $23.99
Naivees 4" x 6" Photo Storage Case with Handle, 16 Inner Photo Organizer Keeper, Extra Large Storage Picture Boxes, Seed Storage, Transparent Craft Keeper (Purple) • Amazon Business $22.99 1 $22.99
Jabari Jumps (paperback picture book) • DonorsChoose Featured Favorites $10.00 2 $20.00
Teacher Created Resources Lined Better Than Paper Bulletin Board Roll • Amazon Business $18.99 1 $18.99
MPRT Laminating Sheets, 3 Mil Clear Thermal Laminating Pouches 8.9 x 11.4 Inches Laminate Sheets Paper for Laminator, 200-Pack • Amazon Business $18.99 1 $18.99
2 Pack Magnetic Bookshelf for Whiteboard Classroom, White Magnetic Floating Book Shelves Magnetic Book Display Shelf for Kids Room Teacher Classroom • Amazon Business $18.99 1 $18.99
Mattel UNO Card Game - Classic Family and Classroom Game for Kids Ages 7+, Educational Card Game for Number Recognition, Color Matching, and Strategic Thinking - 2-10 Players, Ideal for Home or School • Kaplan Early Learning Company $8.96 2 $17.92
80Pcs Party Favors for Kids 4-8, Kawaii Squishies Mochi Squishy Toy Bulk Fidget Sensory Toys Birthday Gifts for Boys Girls Goodie Bag Christmas Stocking Stuffers Treasure Box Classroom Prizes • Amazon Business $16.99 1 $16.99
Astrobrights Mega Collection, Colored Paper, "Brilliant" 5-Color Assortment, 625 Sheets, 24 lb/89 gsm, 8.5" x 11 - MORE SHEETS! (91684) • Amazon Business $16.60 1 $16.60
TWENTY5 SEVEN Countdown Timer 7.5 inch, 60 Minute 1 Hour Visual Timer for Classroom Teaching Tool Office Meeting, Mechanical Countdown Clock for Kids Exam Time Management Magnetic, Pink Donut • Amazon Business $15.99 1 $15.99
Desk Calendar 2025 - Large Monthly Desk Calendar (11 x 17 Inches) for Home, Office, and Classroom, 18-Month Desk Calendar 2025-2026 with Thick Paper (Doodle Notebook) • Amazon Business $15.63 1 $15.63
E BAVITE Heavy Duty Magnetic Hooks,118 LBS(12pack) mikede Strong Neodymium Magnet Hook for Home, Kitchen, Workplace, Office and Garage, 32mm(1.26inch) in Diameter • Amazon Business $15.19 1 $15.19
Tiny Mills 60 Pcs Holidays and Occasions Assorted Stampers for Kids 60 Different Stamper Designs Scrapbooking Craft Stampers Teacher Stampers • Amazon Business $14.99 1 $14.99
Confetti Circles Die-Cut Border Trim • Amazon Business $5.99 2 $11.98
Mr. Sketch Scented Markers, Chisel Tip Marker, Assorted Colors, 22 Count • Amazon Business $10.22 1 $10.22
100 PCS Eye Finger Puppets Toys Set, Wiggly Eyeball Finger Puppet Eye On Rings for Kids, Party Favors for Boys Girls • Amazon Business $9.99 1 $9.99
Scotch? Expressions Masking Tape, .94" x 20 yds., Fuchsia (3437-PNK) • Quill.com $8.91 1 $8.91
Elegana Adhesive Hooks Kitchen Wall Hooks - 24 Packs Heavy Duty 33lb(Max) Nail Free Sticky Hangers with Stainless Hooks Waterproof and Oilproof Reusable Utility Towel Bath Ceiling Hooks • Amazon Business $7.98 1 $7.98
What If Everybody Did That? • Amazon Business $7.03 1 $7.03
Cocurb 32 Pcs Mini Spring Party Favors for Kids 4 to 8 Fun Goodie Bag Stuffers for Birthdays, Classroom Prizes, and Small Toys Present • Amazon Business $6.89 1 $6.89
SHARPIE Flip Chart Markers, Bullet Tip, Assorted Colors, 8 Pack, Low-Odor, Squeak-Free • Amazon Business $6.66 1 $6.66
Scotch Expressions Masking Tape, 0.94 Inch x 20 Yards, Mint Green • School Specialty $5.02 1 $5.02

Materials cost

$677.07

Vendor shipping charges

$0.50

Sales tax

$0.00

3rd party payment processing fee

$10.16

Fulfillment labor & materials

$30.00

Total project cost

$717.73

Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

$126.66

Total project goal

$844.39

Our team works hard to negotiate the best pricing and selections available.

View complete list Show less

Project Activity

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